Sprouts accelerates expansion plans

Sprouts Farmers Market will open 13 stores during the second half of 2019, among them five Florida locations and its first-ever store in Virginia.

By the end of the year, the Phoenix-based grocer will operate 340 stores across 22 states.

The stores slated to open will be in Laveen, Ariz.; Lake Forest, Vista, West Covina and West Hollywood, Calif.; Deerfield Beach, Jacksonville, Jupiter, New Port Richey and Riverview, Fla.; Bel Air, Md.; Greensboro, N.C.; and Herndon, Va.

The Deerfield Beach, New Port Richey, Jacksonville, Jupiter and West Covina stores will feature Sprouts’ latest operational and design enhancements spotlighting private brand products,  department destinations and promoting customer engagement throughout the store. These features include marquee signage and display cases in The Butcher Shop and Fish Market, and a detached rectangular island in The Market Corner Deli offering made-to-order sandwiches, a salad bar, prepared foods, store-made sushi and fresh juice.

Each new store will employ about 140 associates. Grand-opening dates and hiring event details will be revealed as they become available.